Robert White

About Robert White

For learning and workforce platforms, the bigger risk is carrying legacy systems and operating models that quietly drain millions through cost, complexity, and stalled execution. Most AI transformations fail because governance, portfolio discipline, and the operating model are not ready. That’s the gap I solve: Rationalize legacy tech, unify data, and implement product + AI governance to reduce risk and cost: Modernize operating models, embed AI-ready workflows, and align portfolios to strategy and funding: Tie OKRs/KPIs to financial + customer outcomes so modernization translates into ROI, margin improvement, and renewal confidence.($/):• Built an AI + Cloud governance office saving $4M+ annually and identifying tens of millions in additional value.• Redesigned operating models across employees, reducing cost base by $7.5M (8%) per year and improving time-to-market by 30%.• Launched Cengage Unlimited:+29% revenue and +9% digital sales.• Consolidated 150+ legacy apps, cutting software spend by $7M (20%) per year while improving agility and reducing risk. ’ s, ’. Drop a DM or book some time. https://bit.ly/bookwbob

Experience

1. Sr Director, Product Management

   Cengage

   Dec 2023 — Present · Boston, MA, US

   Engine for Product & Technology, connecting strategy to outcomes across AI and platform portfolios. Directed cross‑functional cadence, OKR alignment, and post‑launch impact measurement across 13+ portfolios. • Built and led the company’s AI strategy and governance office, delivering $4M+ in annual savings, out of the gate, and new revenue, with tens of millions more of opportunities identified.• Guided a $100M, five-year modernization to replace outdated systems with streamlined, scalable platforms like SAP and Salesforce. Largest single investment in company’s history.• Created and led a portfolio team delivering 35+ strategic projects each year: on time and within budget.• Kept direct, hands-on ownership of AI, Legal, HR, and Cybersecurity Portfolios: maintaining Roadmaps, conducting vendor evaluations, and driving experiments with AI.• Consolidated 150+ legacy software applications, improving agility and cutting $7M/20% in yearly licensing & support costs.• Scaled a shared Agile model that helped teams align goals, funding, and delivery across the organization.Keywords: Digital Transformation · AI Governance · Enterprise Modernization · Cloud Migration · Product Portfolio Management · Application Rationalization · Agile Scaling · Change Management

Education

• Emerson College

  B.A.

• Emerson College

  MA

Skills

• E-Learning
• Writing
• Market Research
• Editing
• Educational Technology
• Quantitative Research
• Graphic Design
• Product Strategy
• Digital Marketing
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Online Marketing
• Content Development
• Web Development
• Business Analysis
• Web Analytics
• Documentation
• New Media
• Digital Media
• User Interface Design
• Web 2.0
• Software Development
• Publishing
• Academic Publishing
• Content Management
• Strategic Partnerships
• Interoperability
• Workflow Analysis
• Product Management
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• User Experience
• Content Strategy
• Marketing Strategy
• Digital Strategy
• Waterfall
• Product Development
• Project Management
• Social Media
• Copywriting
• Agile
• Strategic Planning